God loves not only those people who love and serve him, but he also loves the world’s people. His fatherly heart is on full display in the famous John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” God has given his Son to the world. Peter shared this truth in 2 Peter 3:9: “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”

 

We tend to exclude people, thinking that God only loves our group. We mistakenly think that he should hate those who differ from us. But Jesus came to show how God transcends the human-made boundaries. One of the best examples was his treatment of the Samaritan woman at the well in John 4. She was amazed at his attention and asked: “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (John 4:9). He then revealed himself as the source of living water that quenches every thirst.

 

Jesus was adamant that the world should know of his love. His last command to his church before his ascension was: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20).

 

We may not keep Jesus only to ourselves. God has given him to the world. We are to love the people of the world. Jesus commanded this in Luke 6:32-33: “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that.”

 

Peter dares us not to limit our love to our own. We are called to share God’s “agapé” love with all people. Jesus commanded that we should even love our enemies. Luke 6:27-28: “But to you who are listening I say: love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who ill-treat you.” God’s love has the power to transform this world for the better. We are in a position, as believers, to share this love with the world. Then, God’s kingdom becomes visible around us. Then, God’s light shines around us in this dark world.

 

Prayer: Lord, you have called me to take up my cross and to follow you. When you command me to love all people, it is difficult for me. It is not so easy to love my enemy and be kind to those who differ from me. Fill my heart with your love, that there may be enough to share with all who cross my path today. Amen.